ST. LOUIS, MO., April 20, 2009 - The St. Louis Cardinals made a move today to fortify their bullpen depth by acquiring right-handed reliever Blaine Boyer from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Memphis (AAA) outfielder Brian Barton.

Boyer, 27, appeared in a career-high 76 games for the Braves in 2008, ranking 9th among National League pitchers. He also set career highs for innings pitched (72.0) and strikeouts (67) and was among Braves' leaders in Holds with 14.

The 6-3, 215-pound Boyer appeared in three games (1.1 IP) with the Braves this season, losing his lone decision on April 8 at Philadelphia.

Boyer, a native of Atlanta, Ga., was drafted by the Braves in the 3rd round of the 2000 free-agent draft. His career totals in two-plus seasons with the Braves include a 6-9 won-loss mark with one save.

Boyer is scheduled to join the Cardinals for their series opener with the New York Mets on Tuesday, April 21.

Barton, 26, was selected by the Cardinals in the Rule 5 Draft in December of 2007 and batted .268 with 2 home runs and 13 RBIs during his rookie season in 2008.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.